The day you become a parent is one that stays with you forever. In an instant, a unique little soul enters the world, completely reliant on you. It becomes your responsibility to provide them with the best possible environment and support them in achieving their dreams.
When Adriana Iliescu welcomed her first child in 2005, she made headlines worldwide. The reason? She was 66 years old.
The birth of her daughter, Eliza, brought her immeasurable joy.
Now, 17 years later, Adriana is back in the spotlight as new photos of her daughter have captured public attention once again…
Some moments in life redefine everything. Anyone who has experienced parenthood knows that the moment you meet your child for the first time is beyond words.
Looking into that tiny face for the first time—it’s an indescribable joy.
Some children make history from the moment they are born.
That was certainly the case for Eliza Iliescu, born in Romania in 2005. Her arrival made history because of her mother.
At 66 years old, Adriana Iliescu became the world’s oldest mother at the time. Her story spread across the globe, earning her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
In 2010, Adriana opened up about her journey as a mother and the criticism she faced. Many labeled her selfish and too old to raise a child.
“The mirror may not always be kind, but when it comes to my energy, I feel young. I feel like I’m 27, and on a tired day, maybe 37. I am healthier than many women half my age,” she told the Daily Mail.
“Some people think they’re being clever when they call me ‘granny,’ but I didn’t have Eliza to make myself look younger. My age doesn’t define me.”
During that interview, then-71-year-old Adriana even expressed her openness to having another child.
“Medically, it’s possible,” she explained. “I’ve read about trials with a 70-year-old woman in England, so it can be done. I’m healthy and could consider having another child in the future, though I’m in no rush.”
Over the years, Adriana and Eliza have built an incredibly strong bond. Eliza is a bright, joyful, and energetic young girl.
Despite ongoing debates about Adriana’s age, she insists she is a dedicated mother who puts Eliza’s well-being above all else.
“I don’t smoke or drink. If I live as long as my parents did, Eliza will be 20 when I pass away. I still have plenty to give her,” Adriana says.
Motherhood at such an advanced age wasn’t her original plan. In her youth, Adriana was forced to terminate a pregnancy due to medical reasons. Then, at 24, her husband abandoned her.
From that point on, she dedicated herself to her career as a university professor in Romania.
“I couldn’t even think about having a child—I was too focused on my work,” she recalled.
“But when I turned 37 and had completed my doctorate, I was ready. Unfortunately, IVF didn’t exist then.”
It wasn’t until Adriana was 57 that in-vitro fertilization became available in Romania. She pursued treatment, but her first pregnancy in 2000 was unsuccessful.
Many judged her for wanting to become a mother at her age, believing it was unnatural or even immoral. But Adriana never lost hope.
She eventually sought treatment from Dr. Bogdan Marinescu in Bucharest, leading to her pregnancy with triplets. Sadly, two of the babies didn’t survive, and Eliza was born prematurely, spending time in the NICU before growing into a healthy child.
Deeply religious, Adriana was eager to baptize her daughter. However, she faced resistance from certain religious groups who disapproved of her becoming a mother at her age. During the baptism, some nuns even cast judgmental glances, and one referred to Eliza as “the product of a dark force.”
Adriana, however, firmly believes that Eliza is a gift from God.
Adriana Iliescu Today
In 2022, 17 years have passed since Adriana first became a mother. The two continue to enjoy a close relationship, even though many mistake Adriana for Eliza’s grandmother.
Despite her age, Adriana remains in good health and has plenty of love to give—a crucial ingredient in raising a child.
At 83, she continues writing and has published over 25 children’s books. She also still teaches part-time in Bucharest, defying expectations.
She has also secured Eliza’s future. When Adriana turned to IVF, she made an agreement with her doctor: in the event of her passing, he would become Eliza’s godfather and legal guardian.
Though Adriana now prefers to keep her family life private, we do know that 17-year-old Eliza is excelling academically and plans to pursue higher education. According to Brightside, she’s an award-winning student, following in her mother’s academic footsteps.
She’s doing better than many people in their 20s and 30s. She’s completely dedicated to her daughter—without distractions. And Eliza? She seems to be a happy, well-rounded young woman with a bright future ahead.